Volunteer

Volunteers are a vital part of the Assisi Team. Volunteering can give you the opportunity to try something new, gain experience, develop skills, improve your career prospects, build confidence and meet new people. There are many different volunteering opportunities. You can work with the animals, fundraise, gardening, driving to name but a few.

There is a wide range of volunteer opportunities, some examples include:

1. Volunteering at the Sanctuary:

• by cleaning and feeding the animals

• walking dogs

• socialising with the cats and kittens

• feeding, stroking and cuddling the rabbits.

These are all invaluable activities, which help improve the chances of our animals getting homes.

2. You could join a Local Fundraising Group:

We have Support Groups in Bangor, Belfast and Newtownards. Could you spare time to join one of these groups?

3. Become a Home Visitor

Before we rehome an animal a home visitor visits the prospective new owners in their home to give them help and advice on how to make their home and garden ready for their new pet. Could you spare some time to be a home visitor?

4. Organise a Fundraising Event

Could you organise a fundraising event for your friends and family. Some ideas are:

♦ Coffee Morning

♦ Run in The Marathon

♦ Treasure Hunt

♦ Cake Sale

♦ Table Quiz

♦ Night at the Cinema

♦ Golf Tournament

♦ BBQ.

Or, if you’ve got a great idea for a fundraising event, let us know and we can help you make it happen.

If you like driving, we have several opportunities. You can help daily by collecting and delivering animals to the vets. We also need volunteer drivers to go to England and Scotland on a weekly basisi.

For more details on how you could become an Assisi volunteer, please Contact Us.

Please note that for insurance reasons, volunteers must be 18 or older.

Daniel. Thank you for your offer to help. We are always looking for volunteers to help work with the dogs. If you could call at the Sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and then the Co-ordinator who looks after the dog unit will be in touch to discuss how to get started.

Courtney. Unfortunately for insurance purposes you need to be 18 to volunteer at the sanctuary. We have a charity shop in Newtownards and you could volunteer there on either a Saturday morning or afternoon. If interested you can call to the shop and the manager will explain what happens and give you a volunteer form. The shop is at 63 High Street which is opposite the Old Cross Monument and on the same side of the street as Knotts and Wardens.

Ashleigh. We are always looking for volunteers to help work with the animals. If you could call into the Sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and then the Co-ordinator who looks after the dog unit will be in touch with you to discuss how to get started.

Charlene. We are always looking for volunteers to help work with the animals. If you could call into the Sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and then a co-ordinator who looks after the dog unit will be in touch with you to discuss how to get started.

hey just like to say,,, i did go to assisi and fill in a form with a friend of mine about a year ago/year and half ago and noone ever got back to me!!!:-( i have even rehomed a little kitten called bear from use since then and his sucsess story never went up on your website and as he was found at 4 weeks old in a bag with his family i thought this was a story people would like to hear 🙁

Hi, my dog passed away this morning, I am heartbroken. She was only a puppy. I want to do anything to make myself feel better and I’d love to volunteer. I’m 14, is there anything I could do? Please. Thank you.

Sinead. I am so sorry to hear about your dog passing. We become so attached to our pets. Unfortunately for insurance purposes you need to be over 16 to volunteer but you could come to the Sanctuary and walk a dog if you were accompanied by someone aged over 18. Take care.

I’d be very interested in volunteering at your sanctuary but I’m 17. In the comment above you said that you have to be 16 to volunteer but in the volunteering information above it says 18, so could you just clarify that for me please?

Hey im Diandra & im 16 years old & would love to do some volunteer work for yous. I have 2 cats of my own called Tigger & Cleo and i love to just keep them entertained. So if yous could let me know what age you need to be to volunteer that would be very much appreciated, thanks so much, Diandra x

Diandra. There are some volunteering opportunities you can do. You need to visit the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and then the volunteer co-ordinator will contact you to chat through what would be avaialable to you.

Hello! I have a great deal of free time and I would love to help out directly with the animals! How would I go about volunteering? (: I am an avid dog lover and the proud owner of an excessively daft Cavalier King Charles.

Hi, I’m 15 coming 16 in October and have been waiting since I was about 13 to do anything I can to help out with animals. Just seeing there that there are some things you can do at the age of 16 has made my day! Could you perhaps tell me what specific things can be done within the assisi at the age of 16?

Alex. A lot depends on what needs to be done at the time. Around September give the sanctuary a call and arrange to speak to speak to the manager and she will let you know what is available at that time.

Hi! I’m 12 but I would really like to help out with the animals with one of my friends. I was wondering if I could over the summer. I really love animals and would appreciate if you could get back to me about volounteering. Thanks, Anna.

Hi I’m looking for some volunteering work. I love animals I could wash walk feed and play with the animals I have loads of free time just wondering if I could join and help out? I’m 19 nearly 20 thanks

hello,
i am interested in possibly volunteering as i understand the sanctuary is getting busier recently, i know that a volunteer form would need to be completed beforehand, i just wanted to enquire what your volunteering hours are? (i currently work 30 hours a week, to see if my free time conflicts with your hours or not)
e

Emma. We are always looking for volunteers. The hours depend on what you have free and also what type of volunteering you want to do. You can work on Reception between the hours of 11am and 4pm, or you can work with the dogs which begins at 8.30am or you can socialise with the kittens, pups, rabbits and that can be a couple of hours during the day. Call into the sanctuary and complete a Volunteering application form and the staff will go through the opportunities in more detail.

Hello I dont live very far from Assisi and I love all animals, I want to have a place like this when am older for all animals to go to if there chucked out by there owners, I really really would love to do this and I will work very very hard and make sure all of the animals will get love. I am young and in high school but I could work the rest of the summer for yous as a volunteer. Please, please let me help work with you’s I love all animals and I want to help them, I am going to call in and speck to you’s about working with you’s. Thank you.

Courtney. You haven’t said what age you are. For insurance purposes you need to be over 16 to volunteer to work at the sanctuary. Let me know what age you are and if it isn’t possible for you to volunteer I will arrange for you to have a tour of the Sanctuary.

Hello I could do volunteering work for you’s, I am in High school and I don’t live far from you’s and I love all animals I can do anything, I can walk dogs, clean out there cages, but I would really like to work with the rabbits,dogs and cats if you don’t mind. I can work all through the summer if you wanted and I can work 4 hours a day. Please right back to me I am going to call in but even if am young could someone watch me or help me with some things. Please, this is my dream. Thanks.

Hi I am 12 I will be 13 in a couple of moths and my mum rang you’s about 2 mins ago and you said that I have to be 18:( I am sad but I know I have to wait till am 18 but could I do it if I was 15? I am difently going to help you’s out when am older because I love animals and I want to help them. I am going down to Assisi this Sunday so could I have a tour? but how much money will it be?

Courtney. There is no charge for a tour. If you let me know what time you are coming at, I will give you a tour. Ask for me at Reception when you arrive but let me know roughly what time you are arriving. Elaine

Hi I love animals and would really like to give something back. I would like to volunteer my time, maybe one or two evenings and a few hours on a saturday. My only difficulty is that I live in County Down and Assissi in Bangor is too far for me to travel 2/3 times a week. I have searched on the internet for animal shelters closer to me but surprisingly can find none. I was wonderng if you guys knew of any shelters close to Hillsborough or Lisburn that you could put me in touch with?

Michelle. I am not aware of any. There may be other ways that you could help Assisi. We have a charity shop in Ballynahinch and we are always looking for volunteer to work in the shop. Perhaps this is something you could do one day a week or a half day. That way you wouldn’t be travelling too many times and Ballynahinch is closer to you. You could help on our extended fundraising team at street collections, bag packs etc and they are usually on a Saturday and you can pick and choose the ones which would suit you. For example we have a street collection in Belfast on Saturday 4 August, Ballynahinch on Saturday 24 August and one in Downpatrick on Saturday 1 September. For street collections you volunteer for say 1 1/2 hours but you don’t have to volunteer for all of them.

You could also come to the Sanctuary in Conlig one day a week rather than 2/3 times a week and there are lots of different things you can do – work in reception, work with the cats or dogs, gardening etc.

Thanks for coming back to me so quickly. I would definitely like to help out. I work fulltime Monday-Friday in Belfast but could come up maybe one evening a week after work for a couple of hours to walk animals, clean up, reception, whatever you need, could be there round 5.15/5.30pm. Then I could maybe help out some saturdays with the shop in ballynahinch or in bangor with the animals. Then join fundraising events/collections too or help out with home call outs if they are in my area. Is there a form you need me to fill out, can you maybe send it to me by email. Or I could maybe call up after work tomorrow or Thursday and do some work when I’m there? Let me know. If you email me, I will reply will my full name, number etc. Thanks.

Hi, I have applied twice now for volunteering work, once through belfast volunteer centre and then I called into assisi and filled out a form. I have heard nothing back at all and I completed the first form over 6 months ago. I am very keen to do some volunteering work.

Hey there. I know that you have answered this before but I am curious. I am sixteen, yet i have worked voluntarily in an animal shelter (greyhound rescue.). Could you please tell me if there is any work at all that I could do at the shelter? I adore animals and would love another oppertunity.

Hi. I would definately like to help out. I am available any daay of the week to volunteer. I want a career with animals and unfortunately not this year because the course is full but next year I wish to do a course in animal studies in belfast college and this would be great expierence and UCAS points. It would be great if i could volunteer.

Victoria. Call at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form indicating the areas you are interested in and then the person who looks after the areas you have ticked will get in touch with you. Thanks

Hi I’m david I love all animals and i am very mature when it comes to them.I am only ten but I would love to help out.I have a kitten called Roxy who we got from an animal shelter and I love her with all my heart.
When I grow up I would like to be a vet.
I have my mums support and permission.
So please email me.
If you contact me my email has no capital letters.

Hello David. Thank you for writing to us. I am so glad you want to be a vet – that will be a great job for you in the future. Unfortunately for insurance purposes you need to be 16 to volunteer at Assisi. You could come with your mum and walk dogs. Ask your mum if she would like to do this and she came come and complete a volunteer form. If you would like to have a tour around Assisi I will do that for you. Drop me an email on elaine@assisi-ni.org and we can arrange a day and time.

Hi there,
I would love to help out at the sanctuary, I’m just finishing my MSc. in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at QUB and I am looking to get out of the books and get some hands on experience. Let me know what I can do to apply to volunteer. Thanks!

Lisa. If you call at the sanctuary we have a volunteer form that you need to complete and then each month we have an Induction Course which covers the basics and then you can get started. I think there may be a volunteer Induction this Sunday 26th. When you are at the sanctuary you could ask if the manager is available and she can chat through with you how you may be able to help. She will be in the sanctuary Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this week.

Hello, I would love to volunteer at assisi. I have raised money for assisi before with my riding stables(birr house) and I have learnt what you are about. I’m happy to do anything. I could volunteer on saturday afternoons from 12 and all day on Sundays? I’m 14 years old? Do you have age limits?

Chloe. Unfortunately for insurance purposes you need to be 16 + to volunteer at the sanctuary. Hopefully the next couple of years will go quickly for you. Thank you for raising funds for Assisi – we are always very grateful to everyone who raises funds for us.

Hi I would love to volunteer at assisi, I currently work part-time mon to fri, and would be available every weekend if need be, I would also be available Wed and Thurs evenings and Tuesday mornings, I drive, and have 5 animals of my own already including, two cats, a bearded dragon, a gecko, and a hamster, I’m 28 and live in Belfast.

Jakki. If you call at the sanctuary there is a volunteer form to complete where you indicate the areas you are interested in and then each month we have an induction session for new volunteers. Once you have completed the form the relevant person for that area will get in touch with you.

Louise. if you call at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will show us what you are interested in doing – the Volunteer Co-ordinator will then be in touch to invite you to an Induction Session.

I would love the opportunity to volunteer at Assisi. I want a career involving animals and intend to study an animal related course at uni, however I didn’t get in this year and would like to help out.

Mark. If you call at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will show us what you are interested in doing – the Volunteer Co-ordinator will then be in touch to invite you to an Induction Session.

I was just wondering if you need any volunteers to work in Conlig.
Im free every day and i have a wee Jack Russell dog which he is
10yrs old and 2 cats coco is 3yrs old and milo is 2yrs old which my
son found him milo has has brain damage so he is so special 2 us.

Nicki. If you call at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will show us what you are interested in doing – the Volunteer Co-ordinator will then be in touch to invite you to an Induction Session.

Olivia. If you call at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form this will allow you to indicate what you are interested in and then the relevant person will make contact with you and invite you to an induction session. These are usually held on the last Sunday in each month.

Hi i am really interested in working with animals , i myself have rehomed 3 of your cats and have 1 of your dogs now for nearly 6 years . I thought that i would love to give something back to yous by either volunteer to clan kennels or look after your cats or kittens. I also saw that you are looking for foster homes for kittens and mother cats , i was wondering what that entailed . you can either contact me on my email address or phone me on 91454042 . Many thanks

Heather. Thank you for your enquiry. We are always interested in getting new volunteers. If you call at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will allow you to indicate the areas you are interested in then the volunteer co-ordinator will get in touch with you to organise an induction session or she will organise for the correct person to contact you about the area you are interested in.

Heather. We are always looking for volunteers to look after the cats and kittens. Can you call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and then the volunteer co-ordinator who looks after that section will get in touch and arrange for an Induction session.

Hello we both would like to do some volunteer work to help with our future maybe walking dogs playing with kittens or washing dogs or cleaning up after them but we have one question is there an age restriction???

Ben. The volunteering opportunities at the Sanctuary are for during the day Monday – Sunday. The volunteering opportunities include working in Reception, cleaning the dog, rabbit or cat units. dog walking and grooming. Socialing with the cats and dogs. If you are interested in volunteering, call to reception and complete a volunteering form and then the Volunteer Co-ordinator will get in touch with you regarding what you are interested in helping with.

hi im 28 and would like to volunteer for assisi in your shop if there are any vacancies and also the support group in downpatrick ? i have a housefull of my own rescues and helping animals is my life 🙂 x

Hi I am 14 years old and I have just signed up to do the presidents award in school, to do this I need to do 3-6 moths voluntary work, I know that the age limit is 16 but I would love to help out with the animals as I really do enjoy them, I am willing to do anything from cleaning out their kennels to playing with them, is there by any chance I could do any sort of voluntary work, Thanks.

Sarah Jane. The Support Groups are a very valuable member of the Assisi family. They are fundraising groups are organise events such as quizzes, street collections, cinema evenings etc to raise funds to run the sanctuary. They are located in East Belfast and meet several times in the year to plan and probably do about 6 events a year. If you are interested in fundraising let me know and I will pass your email address to the group and they will get in touch with you. If you are interested in working directly with the animals that is done at the sanctuary and you can call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and then the person who co-ordinates working with the animals will get in touch to invite you to an Induction session.

Thank you for the reply. I would be more interested in working with the animals. I live in Belfast, but I don’t drive. Obviously public transport would be the way (bus or train), but I wouldn’t even know where to start. I know you are situtated between Bangor and Newtownards, but I wouldn’t even begin to know what bus or train to get.

Sarah Jane. We are equal distance between Newtownards and Bangor. You can get to both towns from Belfast by bus and you can also get to Bangor by train. When you get to Newtownards or Bangor you would need to get another bus which will take you past the Sanctuary. Your local bus station would be able to advise you on times etc.

Hi thanks for the help, I appreciate it. I was looking up bus schedules, and I see I can get a bus from Belfast to Newtownards, then change over to a bus that takes me to Conlig, Village. But I would need to ask what bus service goes along Old Bangor Road, and past the sanctuary. Thank you.

my daughter Zara and I are interested in helping out with the kittens and or walking the dogs. She is only 12 but very responsible. We have our own cat at home, and she adores animals. Is it possible we could help out?

Ted. Unfortunately for insurance purposes volunteers need to be 18 +. You could register to be a volunteer dog walker and the staff will give you what is called a double lead so that your daughter can walk with you and the dog although must be in control of the dog at all times.

My name is Kyle and I am presently studying Biomedical sciences at Belfast met College.
I plan on studying veterinary medicine in Edinburgh.
I would be very much interested in volunteering to work with the animals in any way needed and any other general help required by the sanctuary.
I am 22 years of age and a full time student. I could be available weekends or on after my half days from the college on certain days of the week.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
thank you
Kyle Haddock

Kyle. If you ring the sanctuary on 028 9181 2622 and ask for Heather Oliver who is the Sanctuary Manager and she will have a chat with you about a placement opportunity. She is on a non-working day tomorrow and back at the sanctuary on Friday.

Hi there. I was hoping I could find out some information about doing work experience at an Assisi near to my home. Are you open to a-level students doing work experience? I’ve grown up around animals and adore them and currently have two Labradors. I’d really appreciate it if you could get back to me. Thanks.

Lauren. If you ring the Sanctuary and ask for Heather Oliver who is the Manager. She will have a chat with you on the phone about what days you would be available etc. We do take work experience students but we can only take a certain number each day so a lot depends on your available days. The Sanctuary number is 028 9181 2622. Heather will not be at the Sanctuary tomorrow (Tuesday).

Roberta. We have lots of volunteering opportunities eg working directly with the animals, cleaning, grooming etc or working in reception, fundraising etc. If you call into the sanctuary Reception has a Volunteer application form which you can complete.

I’d love to help out walking dogs, cleaning kennels, playing with the animals or in any way possible really. I’m free to spare a few hours Thursdays – Sundays, how would I go about doing this? Thanks Helen.

Helen. We are always looking for volunteers. If you call to Reception at the Sanctuary they have a volunteer form for you to complete and then the volunteer co-ordinate will be in touch to organise an Induction session for you.

Katie. If you have an adult who would like to volunteer they can register as a Volunteer dog walker and you can accompany them on a dog walk and the staff will give you a double lead. They register at Reception at the Sanctuary.

Hi, my daughter is 18 and is at home at the moment trying to get a job while waiting to go to uni next year. She loves dogs and I was wonderng if she could help out doing anything? I can trnasport her and also walk dogs if that would help. We re homed an Assisi dog two years ago and would love to give something back!
Maura

Maura. If she calls to Reception, they have a volunteer form your daughter can complete indicating what she would be interested in doing and the volunteer co-ordinator will be in touch to arrange for her to attend an Induction session. If your daughter is going to Uni early in the new year it is unlikely we will have an Induction Course before January but you could both come any time and walk dogs.

I am 13 and I am doing my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’s and have to do volunteering and would love to volunteer with the ASSISI but am too young so could you people give me some ideas to do with animals what I would be old enough to do.

Adam. I am sorry but it is for insurance purposes that we cannot allow you to work with the animals so unfortunately you could not work with any of them. I am sorry that we cannot help you at this time.

Hi, in the summer I volunteered but because I was young (I’m 11) I needed an adult. I own a massive labradoodle that I walk on my own on hour walks. I also used to have a rabbit and love playing with her. I was just wondering that with experience could I please volunteer.

Beth. I am sorry we can not accommodate you but for insurance purposes you need to be 18. If an adult registers to be a volunteer you can walk dogs with them but they need to be in control of the dog. Sorry we can’t be more helpful on this issue.

Jeanette. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form. The form will ask you to indicate what areas you are interested in and then the volunteer co-ordinator will be in touch with you to arrange an Induction session.

Zuzanna. If you call to Reception at the sanctuary and complete a Volunteer form where you will indicate what you are interested in doing and then the volunteer co-ordinator will get in touch to arrange an induction session for you.

Hi Assisi, I’m 11 and I am really into animals, my friend maddie told me about Assisi and she said she help out on Saturdays ans Sundays and she is only eleven but her mum stays with her while she helps out feeding walking and playing with the animals, I was wondering could i help out

Nicole. You would have to get an adult over 18 to accompany you in the same way your friend does with her mum. If you can get an adult to accompany you please call and get them to complete a volunteering form.

Hi Nicole my mum says we could go up together if you can help out. Assisi I’m coming up this weekend and it’s icy me and my mum are still coming but I was wanting to know if it will be open? just to make sure

Maddie. You need to ask your mum to come and complete a volunteer form first and then the volunteer co-ordinator will contact her to arrange an Induction session. If you just want to walk a dog you can come and do that but to work with the animals you need to complete the Induction Session first.

Maddie. I don’t have the dates of the Induction courses. The volunteer co-ordinator invites people to the sessions. They are usually the last weekend in the month but if you ring reception on 028 9181 2622 they may be able to tell you.

I filled out the form. and could uu please tell me wht the induction session is? I don’t know if I’ve done that I think I have it was my mum that filled out the forms. by any chance is the induction session like putting on harnesses sort of like staff training? cuase I was told somethhing to do on sunday about putting harnesses, leads etc Many Thanks sorry for the bother

Hi Assisi my name is Robyn and I’m 11 years old. My friend Nicole told me about Assisi and I would love to know if I could come up and help this Saturday and maybe weeks after? I have a 4 year old pug called Alfie and I love playing with him. Also my mum or Nicole’s mum would be happy to take me thank you 🙂

Robyn. Unfortunately for insurance purposes you need to be 18 or over. Your mum can become a volunteer and you can accommpany her. Your mum needs to visit the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form. She then will be invited to an Induction Session and after that she can start to volunteer.

Hello, My name is Lisa i am 20 years old and From Finaghy in Belfast. I would love more information on your support groups? and also some information on how to be a home visitor please. Thank you very much. x

Lisa. We have a support group that meets the Civil Service Club and they would meet every couple of months and during the year they organise various events such as quizzes throughout the year, and they have a Blow Drying Day in a Hairdressers in Ballyhackamore at the beginning of February and an antiques valuation day in March. We also have support groups in Downpatrick, Bangor and Newtownards. If you are interested in joining any of these groups I can give you the contact details.

If you are interested in becoming a home visitor you can complete a volunteer form which you can get from Reception at the sanctuary and once completed the Sanctuary Manager will then contact you to organise an Induction session and then you would be buddied with an existing visitor and accompany them for a couple of visits to get the hang of what to cover/what to ask.

Hi, I usually go down to volunteer every weekend I was suposed to be up today but couldn’t because my mumt the hospital about her hand and she can’t drive. We won’t be up tomorrow because she still can’t drive, I know it’s dog handling and I’m begging her to try but she won’t she thinks its too risky. we are probably going to phone and say but this is just incase we can’t get intouch. sorry

hello, my name is Caoimhe McCarthy. Im 17 years old and im just wondering if you need any volunteers at your shelter? im willing to clean up, feed animals, play and walk them, Im willing to do anything possible really. I am available on a saturday and sunday, and sometimes on fridays as i leave school at 1:30pm. I have always wanted to volunteer and help at an animals shelter. i hope to hear back from you, many thanks

Caoimhe. For insurance purposes you need to be 18 years and over to volunteer at the sanctuary but you can at 17 work in our Charity shop in Ballynahinch or we will be opening a new charity shop in Newtownards in early March or you could fundraise by helping at street collections, bag packs etc. If you would be interested in any of these options, please email on – elaine@assisi-ni.org

Hi folks……I have a bit of spare time on my hands and as an dog lover I would like to put it to good use; I have sponsored a dog for a long time with yourselves. If you need any help walking/exercising the dogs etc. I would be delighted to lend a hand. Kind Regards Mark

Mark. If you call to Reception at the sanctuary, and ask for a Volunteer form which you can complete and the staff will explain the dog walking process to you.
We are in the process of opening a charity shop in Newtownards so if you are free tomorrow Saturday we will be painting and cleaning if you want to lend a hand. any time between 11am and 4pm. Shop is opposite the Old Cross monument in High Street – branded at the moment for Cost Cutters.

hello my names dearbhla and im from lurgan, im ninteen and a HND animal management student, we have been given the opportuint to partake in a sponsered volunteering scheme during this summer, i would really love to it with you, my only question would be: is your shelter easy to get to ? as i will be relying on public transport
Cant wait to hear back
D.Austin x

Dearbhla. Our sanctuary is based in Conlig which is between Newtownards and Bangor so you would have to get to Belfast and then take a bus to Bangor or Newtownards and then one to Conlig. You could take the train from Lurgan to Belfast and then to Bangor and then get a bus to Conlig. You would need to research with the various travel companies how long these journeys would take.

Hiyyah, I’m 14 and a major animal lover. I live about 15mins away from the downpatrick shelter. I have 4 rabbits, 2 dogs, 4 cats, 3 gold fish and a horse. All of which i give 100% to maintain health and happyness! I would love to volunteer at your downpatrick centre on weekends and school holidays. I can work with every type of animal, From horses to snakes,
and deal with all jobs and situations. I think it would be a great opportunity for myself and i could rope a few more of my animal loving freinds to come up and help out instead of spending there weekends/ holidays stuck in-front of a television. Please get back to me if you require my help or think im suitable to volunteer, Thank you for your time.

Hi, I was wondering if you need any volunteers who are trained in Reiki. I’m a qualified reiki master and may have some time free during the coming summer and would be interested in offering some healing for animals. I’ve used this with my own pets and found it to be most valuable both for behaiour problems, physical and emotional past traumas etc… I’m not sure if you’ve had anyone in before, but if you are interested please contact me.

Hello i was wondering if you could tell me the easiest way to get to your sanctuary for someone who doesnt drive? Ive been trying to find a way to get the bus from Belfast city center but im a bit confused as to where the buses and up ect. If you can provide any help it would be much appreciated.

Tom. The sanctuary is located half way between Newtownards and Bangor so you could get a bus from Belfast to either Newtownards or Bangor. You then would need to get a bus from Newtownards to Bangor and get off in Conlig or a bus from Bangor to Newtownards and get off in Conlig. You can also get the train from Belfast to Bangor and then a bus from Bangor to Newtownards and get off in Conlig. Hope this helps.

Denise. If you call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will ask you to indicate the areas you are interested in getting involved with and then the volunteer co-ordinator will be in touch to invite you to an induction session.

Hello my name is Thomas. I’m 19 and i am starting a new set of A-levels next year at Belfast met, with plans to continue into veterinary medicine in one of the 8 schools afterwards. I am currently trying to amass some work experience before i begin another part time education in September. I am already helping and learning in a vet clinic once a week, but i would be very interested in volunteering to help with the animals or anything else that needs to be done at the sanctuary. Unfortunately i would only be available on the weekends, since i do not drive myself yet, but would be happy to come at any time you wanted.

Thomas. Call at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will ask you to indicate which animals you would like to work with and when. Indicate on the form that you are a student and available weekends over the summer and the manager will then contact you.

William. If you ever find a stray then please ring your local dog warden/enforcement officer and they will come and collect it. The law is that all dogs are licenced and microchipped and the dog warden will endeavour to find the dog’s owner. Under the law Assisi can only take animals in from their owners who sign the dog over to us and we can then rehome the dog.

Hi, I live in Belfast term time normally but am living there full time from the first of July. I’m hoping to get a job for obvious reasons but I would also love to volunteer here in my spare time. If I could I would like to do only this and not work but I have to pay my rent 🙂 I don’t know how much time I would be able to spend volunteering yet until I get a job but I just thought I would ask about it now anyway. I’m 19 by the way and am mad about animals and not afraid to get my hands dirty so would love to help out, feeding, walking, cleaning or just playing with them 🙂

Rebecca.. If you want to volunteer at the sanctuary, call to Reception and complete a volunteer form which will ask you to indicate when you would be available and also what you would like to do. The manager will then have a chat with you about getting started.

Hi I would like to volunteer with your animal sanctuary. Although I work full time. I would be available at weekends and maybe an evening a week if this would help. I understand I have to complete a volunteer form so please let me know where I can do this. Many thanks. Elaine

Elaine. Call to Reception at the sanctuary and they will give you a volunteer form to complete which will ask you what you would like to do and when you would be able to do it and then the manager will organise to have a chat with you about getting started.

Jonny. Call to Reception at the sanctuary and they will give you a volunteer form to complete which will ask you what you would like to do and when you would be able to do it and then the manager will organise to have a chat with you about getting started. For some of the volunteering opportunities we need volunteers who can come on a regular basis but for some such as dog walking and socialising with the cats you can come and do these activities any time you are free.

Lorraine. To volunteer you need to be over 18. Call to Reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form. this will ask you to indicate what type of volunteering you are interested in doing and when you would be available.

Ashleigh. Assisi is based in Conlig which is half way between Newtownards and Bangor. There is Mid Antrim near Antrim and then the other sanctuaries are in Londonderry, Enniskillen and Omagh. Dogs Trust is in Ballymena and Cats Protection is based in Dundonald. Hope this information helps you.

Ryan. Call to the sanctuary and Reception will give you a Volunteer form to complete which asks you what type of volunteering you would like to do and what days you would be available. A member of staff will then help you get started.

Hi I was speaking to a member of staff some time ago and mentioned that my son loves animals he has a dog and a cat and wants a hamster and hoping to get fish he is ten years of age i know from other posts that you have to be 18 to volunteer if i i am forty plus or his dad accompanied him to help look after the cats, and small animals even the dogs would appreciate your advise thank you Beverley and Aaron

Hello I’m Nicola and I’m 16 turning 17. I’d be really keen in volunteering at the sanctuary walking, feeding, playing with, cleaning etc the animals and anything else! I have experience with a variety of animals of my own including a rescue dog. After reading comments on this I’m unsure if it is 16+ or 18+ needed to volunteer? I’d be happy to drop by and fill in a form or call up if I’d be able to volunteer!

Hey, I will not be home from Australia until November but I would love to help out with the cats. After looking through your web site I totally fell in love with Edmund but I already have two little fur babies that i’m taking home from OZ 🙁

Melanie. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will indicate what you are interested in helping with and then the volunteer co-ordinator will get in touch with you about getting started.

Would love to help out as I’m free every Saturday and Sunday but I don’t have a car so it wouldn’t be easy for me to get to you. If there is someone already helping in or going thru Holywood please let me know. My no. is 07720372190

i just wondered if i could volunteer at the weekend i would love to help out in all the areas i am a pet owner myself. im 18 years of age the only problem is i live in ballywalter and i was just wondering how i would get down i definatly want to do it.

Jade. If you can work out transport then call to Reception and complete a volunteer form which will ask you to indicate what you would like to do and when you would be available. The volunteer co-ordinator will then get in touch with you to arrange and Induction session, health and safety etc.

Marc. If you call to Reception at the Sanctuary and complete a volunteer form. It will ask you to indicate when you would be available. We are looking for volunteers who would be able to donate a half day each week to work with the animals. Once you have completed the form the volunteer co-ordinator will get in touch with you to arrange when to start and cover health and safety.

Myself and my partner Mark left in volunteer forms over 3 weeks ago with ID and were told we would be contacted for health and safety, we are still waiting on this contact.. We would love to volunteer, ticked various option on your form and we are disappointed that we haven’t been contacted to date…

Michelle. I will get this chased up for you. Our Volunteer Co-ordinator is a volunteer herself and works part time for us so sometimes it does take a little while for her to work through all the forms but it doesn’t usually take 3 weeks. Hopefully she will contact you soon.

Lauryn. For insurance purposes you need to be 16 to work in our charity shop or 18 to work with the animals. If you are accompanied by an over 18 you could help at some of our fundraising events. Call into the sanctuary and ask to speak to the manager and she will explain what you can do.

Alex. It depends on what type of volunteering you want to do. Call to Reception at the sanctuary and they will give you a volunteer form to complete and then the volunteer co-ordinator will be in touch regarding getting started.

i’m a Qualified Veterinary Nurse with over 8 yrs experience in practice, i live in the isle of man and will have some spare time in the new year and wondered if you take volunteers for a week or two at a time ?

I’m hoping for some information on vonluntry work for yourselves, it’s my father who is 64 and retired, and looking for some more in his life he his 2 dogs and assisi would be ideal for him, many kind regards Stewart keddie

Stewart. There are various volunteering opportunities, working with the cats, dogs or rabbits. These can be for a half day or a full day and you will help with the cleaning, feeding and socialising of the animals. You can also do maintenance, gardening or driving. You can walk dogs or work in our charity shops in Newtownards or Ballynahinch. You can also help with fundraising. And you can also walk dogs at any time. If there is anything here which you feel your dad would be interested in, ask him to call to the sanctuary and get more details.

Andrew. Please send an email to the sanctuary manager who is Heather Weatherup and her email is – heather@assisi-ni.org Tell Heather what you would like to do and when and she will be able to check to see availability.

Laura. There are lots of types of volunteering. You can work directly with the animals and for this we are looking for volunteers who can commit a half day or full day on a regular basis. You can garden, do driving or you can socialise with the animals / dog walk and this can take place at various times. You can work in reception doing lots of different clerical duties or you can join a fundraising group or you can work in our charity shop in Newtownards. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will indicate what you are interested in and then the co-ordinator for that area will make contact with you.

Julie. We are always looking for voluunteers who can come to the sanctuary on a regular basis. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will ask you to indicate what day you would be available and what you would like to do eg, work with the dogs, rabbits or cats. The volunteer co-ordinator will then contact you to discuss getting started.

Stephen. A lot depends on what you want to do. If you want to work directly with the animals we are looking for volunteers who can work a regular shift of half a day or a full day starting at 8.30am. If you want to socialise with the animals or dog walk that can be done during the day. If you want to work in one of our two charity shops that is between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday – again either a half day or full day. Fundraising is various times. Call to reception and complete a volunteering form and indicate what you are interested in and the volunteer co-ordinator will get in touch about getting started.

Juliann. That’s great – we are always looking for volunteers. Call to reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will allow you to indicate which days you would be available and which animals you would like to work with. The volunteer co-ordinator will then get in touch with you to arrange when to get started.

Hi there, I am interested in helping out at the sanctuary. I love animals and have a rescue dog myself. I am available on Saturday for a few hours or Sunday. Please let me know if you need more volunteers. Thanks,
Hayley

Hayley. I have replied to you on facebook. If you want to work directly with the dogs eg feeding, cleaning then we are looking for volunteers who can commit to a regular half day or full day each week and then you work with the staff to look after the animals. If you cannot commit to a regular time then you could dog walk and you can do that during our opening hours. If you want to call to Reception you can complete a volunteer form on it and you can indicate what you would like to do and when you would be available. There are other jobs you can do which are ad hoc, gardening, maintenance and fundraising. We have a street collection in Belfast city centre on Saturday and need volunteers for the 2.30pm-4pm shift if you are free. Once you have completed your form the volunteer co-ordinator will get in touch about getting started.

Hi i know your properly going to say no because am bellow 18 but can you just read this please. Since i was 2 (since i could talk)This is were i wanted to be.To help cuddle clean and to warm these dogs,rabbits,guinea pigs,cats heart.Even if there aggressive they just want someone to be with someone they no they can trust.I love any animal you can think of no nearly all the dogs names on your website and i saw that 3 kittens were left out in the cold in a rubbish bag.I already had my heart broken. My two dogs are ones you may no them i don’t really want say there names but every time i think of them i cry but if you just please let me have a chance to see am good with animals and i love any one hurt unwell 3 legs anything i will never leave them all they need is someone to be there for them so just think about it and you can email me back it will do my day actually my life.

Hannah. That would be great. If you want to work directly with the animals eg feeding, cleaning then we are always looking for volunteers who can give their time regularly. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and then the volunteer co-ordinator will get in touch to organise health and safety training and get you started.

Jamie. call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form on which you will indicate what you are interested in doing and then the volunteer co-ordinator will get in touch with you about getting started.

Hello, I’m Matthew. I’ve always has a great passion for caring and raising animals. My little dog Daisy (a collie/labrador crossbreed) and I go on walks all the time, she loves it; I love it and you can tell she loves getting outdoors. I would love to devote some of my time doing something similar with other animals. I feel that, while I care so much for Daisy, other animals need love and care too, and if you are willing to consider me I would be willing to help in whatever way I can.

Matthew. We are always looking for volunteers. Call to reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will allow you to indicate which days you would be available and what you would like to do. You can work with the animals, drive, work in reception, maintenance, fundraise etc. The volunteer co-ordinator will then get in touch with you to arrange getting started.

Tara. We are always looking for volunteers. Call to reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will allow you to indicate which days you would be available and what you would like to do. You can work with the animals, drive, work in reception, maintenance, fundraise etc as long as you are 18 or over. The volunteer co-ordinator will then get in touch with you to arrange getting started.

Hi! My wife and I loves dogs, but due to working long hours are unable to have one. We would love to volunteer by taking the dogs for walks, we can help on sundays if possible? How do we get involved?
Thanks

We are always looking for volunteers. Call to reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will allow you to indicate which days you would be available and what you would like to do. If you want to work directly with the animals we are looking for volunteers who can commit to a regular shift each week as there is a certain amount of training. You can also drive, work in reception, maintenance, fundraise etc as long as you are 18 or over. The volunteer co-ordinator will then get in touch with you to arrange getting started.

Erin. If you call into Reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form indicating what you would like to do then the person who looks after that particular area will get in touch with you about getting started. If you are interested in working directly with the animals cleaning, feeding etc then we are looking for volunteers who can commit for a half day/full day a week on a weekly basis as you will be getting to know procedures and the animals. If you cannot commit to a regular timethen you can come and socialise with the animals, grooming, walking dogs etc.

Michelle. You need to be aged 18 and upwards to work directly with the animals. If you call into Reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form indicating what you would like to do then the person who looks after that particular area will get in touch with you about getting started. If you are interested in working directly with the animals cleaning, feeding etc then we are looking for volunteers who can commit for a half day/full day a week on a weekly basis as you will be getting to know procedures and the animals. If you cannot commit to a regular time then you can come and socialise with the animals, grooming, walking dogs etc. You can also volunteer in our charity shop in Newtownards from 16 upwards.

Hi, I am 25 and currently working as a hotel waitress, but my usual working day does not start till 4 or 6pm, so I have a lot of free time during the day that I would love to give to volunteering with you. Can work with all of the animals, would especially love to work with dogs, I don,t mind early starts. Will i just ring the sanctuary to get info?

Adele. If you call into Reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form indicating what you would like to do then the person who looks after that particular area will get in touch with you about getting started. If you are interested in working directly with the animals cleaning, feeding etc then we are looking for volunteers who can commit for a half day/full day a week on a weekly basis as you will be getting to know procedures and the animals. If you cannot commit to a regular time then you can come and socialise with the animals, grooming, walking dogs etc.

Hannah. You need to be aged 18 and upwards to work directly with the animals. If you call into Reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form indicating what you would like to do then the person who looks after that particular area will get in touch with you about getting started. If you are interested in working directly with the animals cleaning, feeding etc then we are looking for volunteers who can commit for a half day/full day a week on a weekly basis as you will be getting to know procedures and the animals. If you cannot commit to a regular time then you can come and socialise with the animals, grooming, walking dogs etc. You can also volunteer in our charity shop in Newtownards from 16 upwards.

Hello, I just moved to Belfast and my job means that it is would be unfair to have a dog, I always had a summer job as a teenager working for Madra in Galway. I know a lot of volunteers probably just want to have cuddles and things, but I don’t mind getting my hands dirty. How do I sign up for volunteering on Saturday or Sundays?

Tanya. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form indicating when you would be available and which animals you would like to work with and then the person who looks after that particular area will get in touch with you about how to get started.

Hi, me and my partner would like to volunteer to help with the dogs if we can. We work shift work so would be able to get up once or maybe twice a week. Would we need to give a lot of notice before we came up? Where is the shelter based?

Lesley. We are based in Conlig which is half way between Newtownards and Bangor. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form each and then the person who looks after the area you are interested in will get in touch with you about getting started. We do need to know when you are coming as we can only accommodate a certain number of volunteers in each unit each day but the co-ordinator will go through that with you when they talk to you. At any time you can walk a dog, play with it and groom it so even if the rota is full for the time you are available you can still work with the dogs.

Hi I waa wondering if I could work for about 2 days a week. I am 14 years old and love animals. If an adult has to come too well im sure my sister or something could. I was thinking that I could maybe be a dog walker but I am happy with whatever is going. Let me know if I am suitable. Thank you 🙂

Carol. If you call into Reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form indicating what you would like to do then the person who looks after that particular area will get in touch with you about getting started. If you are interested in working directly with the animals cleaning, feeding etc then we are looking for volunteers who can commit for a half day/full day a week on a weekly basis as you will be getting to know procedures and the animals. If you cannot commit to a regular time then you can come and socialise with the animals, grooming, walking dogs etc.

hello there i am looking to start a animal care course in september and would like to volunteer. i could walk the dogs, clean kennels and animals and could also feed them. i work monday to friday so im free saturday and sunday. im just wondering where in belfast is the sanctuary located? thanks.

Stuart. The sanctuary is based in Conlig, Newtownards. If you would like to volunteer call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer application form and then the co-ordinator will get in touch about getting started.

Maxine. Call to reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will ask you what area of volunteering you are interested in. As well as volunteering at the sanctuary you can also volunteer at either of our two charity shops in Newtownards or Ballynahinch. If you are interested in the shops you can call into them and complete a form

Amy. If you call to Reception at the Sanctuary and complete a volunteer form. On it you will indicate what you are interested in and then the co-ordinator for the area you are interested in will give you a call about getting started.

I have had a passion for animals ever since I was a little girl, it has been my dream to work with anmials. I think this would be a great way to learn and give me a new expericence. Could you help in anyway?

Hi, I’m 15 and I was wondering how old you had to be to volunteer.
I’m great with animals and my friend and I would really love to help.
We could walk dogs, clean kennels, feed the animals, anything really.

Paul. We always welcome dog walkers but you can only walk our dog on its own. A walker can only have one dog with them at a time. When you become an experienced Assisi dog walker then occasionally we send two dogs out together for one to learn from the other or calm one down. Most of the dogs we get in have either come from a home environment into a kennel environment and that is very stressful or they have come from a pound and are already stressed. We like the dogs to go out with a dog walker who is concentrating solely on them, helping them relax and training them as you walk. We ask our walkers to log information on how the dogs walked eg, did they chase cars, were they afraid of people etc. If you would like to register as a dog walker, call to reception and complete a volunteer form.

Clare. For insurance purposes you need to be 18 or over to work directly with the animals. However you can volunteer to work in our charity shop in Newtownards from age 16. If you are interested in working in the shop, call to the shop and speak to the manager who is called Nicola.

Last year I received an email from you in regards to my interest in volunteering. Unfortunately, I was out of the country (Living in Australia!) when I heard back from you. I am still interested in helping! I am back in N.I and available from 21/4/14 – 14/5/14 and also some time again in July/August.

Chantelle. Call to the sanctuary and complete a new volunteer form as the system probably won’t still have your form. Clearly show on the form that you are only available for a short time and they will try to get you started quickly.

I registered as a volunteer a couple of years ago and did some work with you. Due to circumstances beyond my control, unfortunately I had to stop. I had hoped to rehome a couple of animals for you but, I may be moving away in the autumn. I’d be very keen to help out with the animals ASAP (before I go) but, I’m not sure if I’m still ‘on the books’. Do I need to fill in another form?

Hi, I’m 21 and interested in volunteering. Am I too old to help? Is the opportunity to help still available? I am in the midst of University exams until June, would it be possible to fill in a form then?

Matthew. You need to be 18 to work directly with the animals but there are other jobs you can do like cleaning and walking and grooming. You can also work in our charity shop in Newtownards. Call to reception and complete a volunteer form.

I’m from west belfast, I’m a animal lover just like everyone in your charity. I keep many animals including lizards, snakes, guinea pigs various insects, rats, mice, gerbils and spiders. I really have a love for guinea pigs. Is there anything I can do to help ?

Kevin. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form on which you will indicate what you would like to do and then the staff will help you get started. There are many options – you can volunteer to do fundraising which is helping at things such as street collections. You can work directly with the animals and this would be for a half day or full day. Day starts at 8.30am and covers feeding, cleaning, walking grooming. You can also garden, drive or do maintenance.

Hi, my friend Sophie and I are both big animal lovers. We were wanting to volunteer but after coming on the website we see that you have to be 18 and unfortunately we are only 14. We were wondering if there would be anything that we could do to help out? thanks for your help.

Taylor. You need to be 18 to work directly with the animals for insurance purposes but you can help in Reception and dog walk when 16. Nearer the time you can get in touch with the sanctuary to book a place. We can only take a certain amount of volunteers each day.

Hi I am 16 and I have applied to volunteer on volunteer now and I was wondering what the process was going to be as I have 3 months summer holidays as my exams have finished and hoped I could volunteer at the sanctuary? Thanks!

My name is Fiona. At the moment I have time to give and I would very much like to help out at the sanctuary.
I’m not afraid of hard work and can help with anything from cleaning, walking, playing you name it.
I tried calling your office to register my interest, but couldn’t get through. Can you please advise me in how I can help. Many thanks 🙂

Hi, I am interested in participating in volunteer work with animals in my summer break from University and was wondering whether you were currently taking on any volunteers? I am nineteen years old, and have plenty of employment experience in manual labour so hard physical graft is not an issue, and I would really like to get involved in some sort of animal sanctuary on a voluntary basis. Also, would you be able to give me any directions to the centre itself?
Thanks very much

Hi I am interested in working voluntarilyt over the summer months and wonder if anyone is coming from Belfast that could possiblly give me a lift I have helped out in ther past and ofen come down on Wed nights for dog walking. I would love it if someone could help out or even advise what bus i could get from Belfast thanks

Lauren. I am not aware of anyone travelling from Belfast. Maybe if you put a note on facebook someone will come forward or sometimes once you start working at the sanctuary you will meet people who will be able to give you a lift. If you speak to your local bus station they should be able to help you with timetables.

Hi I am 20 years old, I currently have a dog (which i helped raise from a puppy) and had a kitten/cat and rabbits so I am very used to working and playing with animals. I would love to help in that way if that would be possible?

Hello, I would very much like to help out as a part-time/full-time volunteer. I am always looking into working with animals, it’s a passion of mine and I wish to perhaps make a career out of it further down the line. Any response will be just grand.

Louise. If you are interested in volunteering, call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and the staff will explain how to get started. You need to be 18 and over to work with the animals. We would welcome the blankets.

my tabby cat bobby is missing he has no tail he is microchipped i have contacted cpl and vet he has never stayed out before just in case anyone would contact you my phone number is 02890940302. thank you. he is greatly missed. went missing seaview area belfast.

Hi. I’m interested in volunteering and plan to call into the centre and complete the form for this. I was just wondering why you don’t use an online form for interested people to complete? Would that not save time for both the centre and the applicants? You could put your locations and your requirements, such as age, etc., onto the form, which might avoid people asking you the same questions over and over on this site. If you accepted an application, you could then invite the person to come to Assisi to show their photo id and have a tour. If that went well, you could then arrange for them to attend an induction course. Just a suggestion.

Susan. We have tried lots of ways but in person seems to work best as there are lots of opportunities and these can be covered face to face and allows the person to choose one and then we can move forward with that option. Thank you for your feedback

Hello, I am 15 coming 16 in February and I was wondering if I would be able to volunteer as I am doing my duke of ed and I have a for love animals and especially cats, if there is anything at all I can do please get back in contact with me, thank you for your time.

Hello Assisi, I have read over some of the comments and the main document, unfortunately I am only 13, I know for insurance reasons I am unable to volunteer, I was just wondering if there is absolutely no volunteer work at all available for my age?I am just finding it hard to find any volunteer work, I have been searching for a few months every since a friend of my mine got some work at the same age. I hope you can get back to me, Thank you in advance.

I know this seems strange but did u guys see 2 Siberian huskies that were reholmed aug sep 3rd as I met a special well known lady at larne train st on sep 3rd 2 huskies on tow and I now look after them keither red n a young white n grey tiny bit she called kasha but she didn’t leave any past details about age they related neutered,spayed n past possible problems.i love these dogs and I came from Scotland to collect them with whole family so please please can u ask someone or u are in with assisi main leaders I need to find where my dogs past was to help look after them.please even call me on 01294233705 Hazel n the lady was Christine!!!!!

Hello, i was just wondering what i have to do to become a volunteer?
I would love to help whenever i can, maybe by walking dogs, playing with the animals? Please let me know how i can make this happen:)x

Sarah. To work with the animals you need to be 18 years or over. You can help in Reception or in our Charity shop in Newtownards. If you are interested call to reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and the staff will explain how to get started. If you are interested in the shop call into it and the staff there will have a chat with you.

Jason. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will indicate the areas you are interested in. The staff will explain how to get started and the appropriate people for each area will be in touch with you.

Hi I’m Aimee Nichol and I am 13 years old. I would love to help by either feeding the animals, walking the dog , playing with the animals or clean up after them. Please do email me back. Yours sincerely , A.nichol

Hi I was wondering if you have to commit to any amount of time volunteering or could it be something you could do when you have the opportunity/time on occasions. I live in Belfast but would love to come down and help out with the cats – playing with them/keeping them company.

Lorraine. We do depend on our volunteers to help with the animals and because of that we do try to get the volunteers who are working directly with the animals to commit to a definite time as they become part of the rota for that day and the staff depend on them. If you can’t commit to a regular time you can come on an ad hoc basis and walk the dogs. That is also very valuable to us and to the dogs as they love getting out for walks several times each day.

Hi I’m 15 turning 16 in May (and will be getting my national insurance number) A friend and I really want to help and were wondering if it would be possible to volunteer during the summer? After reading through other comments I’m just confused about what age you can actually start/ how much we would be able help except just dog walking. Thanks.

Orlaigh. If you wish to volunteer, call to Reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and on it you will indicate what you are interested in doing and then the appropriate person will get in touch about getting started.

Molly. The sanctuary is in Conlig which is half way between Newtownards and Bangor. If you want to become a volunteer call to Reception and complete a volunteer form and then the appropriate person will get in touch with you.

Serena. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form indicating what you are interested in doing and then the appropriate person who looks after that area will get in touch with you about getting started.

ASSISI – just curious why dont you amend your website volunteer section to include ‘Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form indicating what you are interested in doing and then the appropriate person who looks after that area will get in touch with you about getting started. For insurance purposes you need to be aged 18 to work with the animals. You can come and walk a dog if you are accompanied by someone aged 18 or over.’ as this would save yourselves some time answering everyones comments regarding volunteering. just a thought 🙂

Charlie. You need to be 18 to work directly with the animals but at 16 you can volunteer in Reception or in one of our charity shops. If you are interested in a placement send an email to heather@assisi-ni.org giving your name and contact details, when you are interested in the placement taking place and for how long.

Hannah. Call to reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form. There are lots of opportunities and once you have chosen what you want to do the person who looks after that area will get in touch about how to get started.

Clara. Please send an email to heather@assisi-ni.org giving your details and when you would like to start and for how long. Heather is the sanctuary manager and looks after all the placements and she will be able to look to see how many volunteers we have on site at the time you are looking for as we are a small site and can only accommodate so many people on each day.

Hi There , My name is Holly McMurray, I was wondering if myself and my daughter Connie aged 10 years could come and help at the sanctuary with the animals? We would love to help with dog walking/feeding+handling animals. I understand your volunteers have to be 18 for nsurance purposes but if Connie was with me would that be ok? She is very passionate about animals and would love to help.

Holly. Unfortunately for insurance purposes Connie would need to be 18 to work with the animals. You can come and dog walk and she can accompany you or you could both help at fundraising events eg bag packs, street collections, etc.

Samantha. Thank you for wanting to support Assisi. Call to Reception and complete a volunteer form which will indicate the area you are interested in and then the relevant person who looks after that area will get in touch with you about getting started. There are lots of opportunities: working with the animals, dog walking, cat socialising, fundraising, admin, working in a charity shop, driving and many more.

Erin. That would be great. Call to Reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and the staff will explain the process and then the person who looks after the area you are interested in will get in touch with you about getting started.

Emma. We welcome volunteers and we are always looking for Volunteers who could help with posters etc. If you have a sample of something you have designed or would like to discuss design in more detail, drop me an email to – elaine@assisi-ni.org

Hello, i would love to help with fostering if you need any homes, i have been in ireland for 4 weeks now, i did foster dogs for rescues back in england and would love to start again, i can pass details of the rescues i helped if you need them, i am also happy to have a homecheck done if needed, i live innewtownards, please let me know if i can help with fostering or maybe helping out at the kennels, yvon xxx

Yvon. We are always looking for foster carers. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form on which you can indicate that you are interested in fostering. The person who looks after fostering will then get in touch to have a chat and arrange a home visit.

Kathleen. We are alwasy looking for volunteers and the sanctuary is open 7 days a week so whatever day suits you. If you want to work directly with the animals then we are looking for volunteers who can commit to a full day one day a week as you will start to work with the staff and get to know routines, feeding, grooming, cleaning etc. If you cannot commit to a day and want to volunteer on an ad hoc basis then you can volunteer to socialise with the animals ie, play and groom and dog walk. Call to reception and complete a volunteer and it will ask you to indicate what you are interested in doing and when you would be free and then the appropriate person will get in touch with you about getting started.

Olivia. We are always looking for volunteers and the sanctuary is open 7 days a week so whatever day at the weekend that suits you. The sanctuary isn’t open in the evenings although you can get involved in fundraising which takes place sometimes in the evenings. If you want to work directly with the animals then we are looking for volunteers who can commit to a full day one day a week as you will start to work with the staff and get to know routines, feeding, grooming, cleaning etc. If you cannot commit to a day and want to volunteer on an ad hoc basis then you can volunteer to socialise with the animals ie, play and groom and dog walk. Call to reception and complete a volunteer and it will ask you to indicate what you are interested in doing and when you would be free and then the appropriate person will get in touch with you about getting started.

Katherine. call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will indicate the areas you are interested in and then the person who looks after that area will get in touch about getting started.

Christine. If you are interested in volunteering, call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteering form which will indicate what you are interested in doing and then the appropriate person who looks after that area will get in touch.

Chloe. For insurance purposes you need to be 18 to work directly with the animals but at 17 you can help in reception, meeting and greeting visitors etc. Call to reception at the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and find out what is available.

Megan. We are always looking for volunteers to work with the animals. To work with the animals you have to be over 18 and willing to commit to coming on a regular basis so that we can train you so that you can be a good help to the staff. Unfortunately you couldn’t bring your own dog as you need to be fully in control of the animals you are looking after. Call to reception and complete a volunteer form and then the person who look after the area you are interested in will get in touch with you.

Hi There, i’m hoping to start a course in Veterinary Nursing this Sept and was wondering if you guys would be willing to let me volunteer for a few hours each week, i would be really interested in helping this worthwhile cause, the only problem i have is, i live in Belfast and don’t drive, do you have anything going in in and around central Belfast?

I live in Belfast and would like to volunteer at the sanctuary. I grew up having lots of cats but the house I’m currently in doesn’t allow pets. So I want to be able to spend time with the animals as well as help find them new homes

Adam. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which covers the various opportunities and when you would be available. The person who looks after the area you are interested in will hen get in touch.

Hi, I was wondering, I am 14,is there any way I would be able to do some volunteering, you see it is for my bronze duke of Edinburgh’s award, as you need to complete a volunteering section and thought it would be really fun

Hi, we are two Spanish girls that are willing to volunteer in animal feeding, cleaning, walking…However, we do not have a car so we cannot do anything that involves needing a car. What could we do? Is there any way to help you and helpless cuties? Thanks in advance

Depending on where you live you e could travel to the sanctuary by bus but it may entail getting two buses. If you would like to help with fundraising we have collections in town centres such as Lisburn, Belfast, Bangor and Newtownards and you could volunteer some time to help at them.

Arlene. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will allow you to indicate the area or areas you would be interested in working in and then the person who looks after that area will get in touch about Induction and getting started.

Ryan. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will allow you to indicate what you are interested in doing and then the appropriate person who looks after that area will get in touch about getting started.

Hi I’m Lauren. I am currently studying to be a vet, i would love the experience of volunteering for you. Unfortunately i don’t drive but i could do all off the other stuff especially helping with the animals. I would really love this experience! Please get in touch!

Lauren. We are always looking for volunteers. To work with the animals you need to be 18 and over. If you can work out transport to the sanctuary, call and complete a volunteer form and then the person who looks after the area you are intersted in will get in touch about getting an Induction and started. We are on a bus route from Newtownards to Bangor.

Jayne. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and then the person who looks after the area you are interested in will get in touch to discuss Induction training and getting started. Thank you for offering to help us.

Jenny. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and then the person who looks after the area you are interested in will get in touch to discuss Induction training and getting started. Thank you for offering to help us.

Monika. The sanctuary is based in Conlig, Newtownards. If you want to help as a volunteer in the Belfast area you could help with fundraising at any Belfast events eg, we have a street collection in Belfast City Centre on Saturday and if you could spare 1 1/2 hours you could help at that. You might also be interested in fostering. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will ask you to indicate what you are interested in doing and then the person who looks after that area will get in touch with you about getting started.

Claire. To join Assisi as a volunteer call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will indicate what you are interested in doing and then the person who looks after that area will get in touch with you about Induction and getting started. To work directly with the animals you need to be 18 and over. The sanctuary is open to the public from 11am to 4pm but volunteers working with the animals or driving or working in reception will normally start at 8.30am. You can also volunteer to walk the dogs, socialise with the cats and rabbits, drive, work in our charity shop in Newtownards or fundraise for the sanctuary. If you have any specific questions please ask.

Sasha. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will ask you to indicate the areas you are interested in and then the person who looks after that area will get in touch about induction and getting started.

Gemma. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteering form which will ask you to indicate what you are interested in doing and then the person who looks after that area will get in touch about getting started and induction. To clean, feed etc you need to be 18 or over and available to start the morning shift with the staff at 8.30am.

Samantha. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form on which you will indicate what you are interested in doing and then the person who looks after the area you are interested in will get in touch about Induction and getting started.

Padraig. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteering form which will ask you to indicate what you are interested in doing and then the person who looks after that area will get in touch about Induction and getting started.

Rachel. We are always looking for volunteers. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form which will allow you to indicate what you are interested in doing and then the person who looks after that area will get in touch about Induction and getting started. If you are enquiring about a paid role, we do not have any openings at the moment.

Hi, I’ve considered volunteering for a while now as I am a great animal lover and have been from a young age and having the opportunity to clean, care, play or walk animals sounds like a great idea to me so I was wondering how I go about becoming a volunteer? I’m 18 years old

Courtney. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and on it you will indicate what you are interested in doing and then the person who looks after that area will get in touch with you about Induction and getting started. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Hello, I am just inquiring about the volunteer work held at assisi, I am only 14years of age however I love working with animals and as i wish to be a vet in the future I think this would be a great experience for me, if you could get back to let me know if there is anything I could do that would be great, thanks.

Alex/ Firstly, thank you for offering to volunteer for Assisi. We are always in need of volunteers but Omagh is quite a distance. There is a sanctuary in Omagh called Grovehill Animal Sanctuary. However if you want to come to Assisi you are very welcome. Best to call to the sanctuary some day for a visit and see what we do and then you can complete a volunteer form indicating what you would like to do. You can work directly with the cats, dogs or rabbits but that would involve being at the sanctuary for 8.30am to help get the animals out into the runs, fed, kennels cleaned etc. You can drive, garden, paint etc. You can also work in Reception, do admin, data inputting or you can work in our charity shop.

Sarafina. Thank you for offering to volunteer for Assisi. Call to the sanctuary and see what we do and then you can complete a volunteer form indicating what you would like to do. You can work directly with the cats, dogs or rabbits but that would involve being at the sanctuary for 8.30am to help get the animals out into the runs, fed, kennels cleaned etc. You can drive, garden, paint etc. You can also work in Reception, do admin, data inputting or you can work in our charity shop.

hello, i would absoloutly love to help with the animals in any way possible. I had all three of my dogs and rabbit taken from home which were my family due to circumstances..just over a year ago and my current housing landlord doesnt allow pets. im a huge animal lover and would love to be able to spend time with any of the animals on site!!

Wendy. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form on which you will indicate what you are interested in doing and then the person who looks after that area will get in touch about getting started and Induction.

Hi! I filled in an application form for volunteering a couple of weeks ago but never heard back. I’m very keen to volunteer so was just wondering how long it might take or whether there is an issue with the application. Thanks 🙂

Victoria. We do Induction training usually once a month so you will be invited to the next training session. I will have a check tomorrow to see what you wanted to do and see if a training date has been organised for that area.

Tanya. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and on it you will indicate what you are interested in and then the person that looks after that area will get in touch to arrange Induction / Training.

Hello, I would love to volunteer and am up for doing whatever jobs there is, the only thing is I would only be free on one Sunday a month (however when I do have more free time I would certainly be willing to come in more often) would I still be able to volunteer if it were only once a month?

Rachel. You could dog walk, groom, socialise the animals each month or socialise with the cats. Depends on what you are interested in. Call to the sanctuary and complete a volunteer form and then the person who looks after the area you are intersted in will get in touch regarding Induction/Training.

Natasha. If you could send an email to – heather@assisi-ni.org Heather is the manager and will need to look at whether she can accommodate your request. You may be able to come with your mum as part of Duke of Edinburgh but your friend could not attend. Include in your email when you were thinking of coming and how many hours and what pattern ie, 4 hours every Saturday for x months. Thank you.

Reuben. We normally do Induction / Training monthly so the person who looks after the area you are interested will get in touch when the next Training for their area in scheduled. What area were you interested and I will see if the training has been scheduled for it.

Brenda. We hold a monthly Induction Session for volunteers and the next one is this Sunday 1 November – 1pm to 2.30pm. It will be held at our charity store in Newtownards which is 63 High Street. It is the first shop in High Street opposite The Old Cross Monument and there is a large car park beside it. You will hear about some of the various volunteer roles and there will be a chance to ask questions and sign up for what you want to do.

Hello, my friend and I are doing our silver Duke of Ed and this involves a volunteering component. We would like to volunteer at Assisi but were just wondering if we need to be of a certain age? We would love to help, thanks.

Hi there, I filled out and posted back a volunteer form that I was given by a lady at reception when I was last at assisi this year. I live far away from the sanctuary but am willing to work one or two days a week with the puppy and dog units cleaning feeding walking socialising and training or any other duties needed. Can you let me know if you received my application form (I sent it two months ago)? If not, could you post out another one as I don’t drive to be able to call down just for the form. Many thanks xoxox

Emma. You need to be 18 or over to work with the animals. If you are then drop an email to the sanctuary manager who is called Heather Weatherup telling her what you want to do and stating when you would be free to work. The sanctuary is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm so shifts to work with the animals are usually full days or 8.30am to say 1pm – Monday to Sunday.

Caitlin. We are always looking for volunteers. We have a Volunteer Information session on Sunday 6 December where you can hear about the charity, what we are trying to achieve.volunteer opportunites and then you get to ask questions and can sign up for what you would like to do. We are currently in the process of opening a charity shop in Bangor and are looking for volunteers to help get it ready. We will be at the shop on Friday from 10am to 6pm, Sunday from 1pm to 6pm and Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 8pm. If you can help email – elaine@assisi-ni.org and she will send you details.

Jenny. We have a Volunteer Information session on Sunday 6 December at our charity store in Newtowanrds at 1.30pm to 3pm. Come along if you can and you will hear a bit about the charity, what volunteering opportunities we have and have the opportunity to ask questions and find out how to get started.

Chris. We hold a Volunteer information session on the first Sunday in every month – next one Sunday 6 December at 1.30pm to 3.00pm in the Newtownards Charity shop. At this session you will hear about the charity and the volunteer opportunities currently available. At that meeting you can ask questions and if there is something that interst you sign up. We are looking for volunteers at the moment for our new charity shop in Bangor. We are looking for volunteers to work in the shop, drive the van to collect and deliver furniture. If you think you would be intersted in the shop, please email – elaine@assiis-ni.org

Chris. We hold a Volunteer information session on the first Sunday in every month – next one Sunday 6 December at 1.30pm to 3.00pm in the Newtownards Charity shop. At this session you will hear about the charity and the volunteer opportunities currently available. At that meeting you can ask questions and if there is something that interst you sign up. We are looking for volunteers at the moment for our new charity shop in Bangor. We are looking for volunteers to work in the shop, drive the van to collect and deliver furniture. If you think you would be intersted in the shop, please email – elaine@assiis-ni.org

Darian. We hold Volunteer Information Sessions on the first Sunday in every month – next one is Sunday 6 December. It takes plaqce in our Newtownards Charity Shop from 1.30pm to 3pm. At this session you will hear a bit about the charity, what we do at the sanctuary and what volunteer opportunities we currently have. You have the chance to ask questions and can sign up for what you are interested in while you are there. We do have a new charity shop opening in Bangor and we are looking for volunteers to work in it, in both the shop and driving / delivering furniture to customers. If you would be interested in this drop an email to – elaine@assisi-ni.org

Amie. We have a new charity shop just opened in Bangor and we are looking for volunteers for the shop if you could spare a half day or a fully day. The shops are very important to us as the funds raised from them help run the sanctuary. If you would be interested in the shop, call to it and have a chat with the Manager. We hold Volunteer Information Sessions on the first Sunday in each month with the next one being Sunday 3 January. At these sessions, you will hear about the charity and the sanctuary and the various volunteer opportunities we currently have and can ask questions and sign up for what you are interested in doing.

Kirsten. We have a new charity shop just opened in Bangor and we are looking for volunteers for the shop if you could spare a half day or a fully day. The shops are very important to us as the funds raised from them help run the sanctuary. If you would be interested in the shop, call to it and have a chat with the Manager. We hold Volunteer Information Sessions on the first Sunday in each month with the next one being Sunday 3 January. At these sessions, you will hear about the charity and the sanctuary and the various volunteer opportunities we currently have and can ask questions and sign up for what you are interested in doing.

Hi Hannah, Please call up to the Sanctuary and fill in a volunteer application form. We will then invite you to a volunteer training day which is held on the first sunday of every month. We look forward to seeing you.

Hi, I have just retired from teaching. I am older than than your other volunteers. would that matter? I am very comfortable around animals especially dogs but I have a cat and dog. I am flexible about days and times for volunteering. I can help in any way needed. I have a car so can help with any driving.

Anne. We have volunteers of all ages. As well as the sanctuary you can volunteer to work in one of our charity shops. If you would be interested in working in one of our charity shops, call into the one most suitable for you and speak to the manager.

If you are interested in volunteering at the sanctuary we hold Volunteer Information sessions on the first Sunday in every month – next one February. They are held in the Assisi charity shop in Newtownards at 1.30pm to 3pm. At this session you will hear about the work of the charity and the sanctuary and current volunteering needs. You can ask questions about the area you are interested in and then sign up for whatever you want to do.